Five Frugal Things -- Buying and Selling From Goodwill
1) I sold a "bins" remote control on eBay for $15, which puts $11.65 into the Goodwill Gift Card Challenge for the Oregon Food Bank. It weighed a single ounce, which means I paid around 18¢ for it.
Click HERE to see the listing.
2) My sister and I hit up the Goodwill bins for an hour or so and I bought this pretty hunk of honed marble for my own personal use. I'd been actively keeping an eye out for something to use as a large coaster and this seemed like a cute solution. I have an ancient roll of adhesive green felt, so I cut corner pieces to pad the bottom surface.
I was worried that this heavy item would cost too much, but in the end they only charged me $2.46. I paid for it out of pocket.
3) I also bought this pair of "Papillo" Birkenstocks to resell for the gift card challenge. I currently have them up for sale on eBay for $25.
4) I couldn't resist this soft as butter alpaca cardigan sweater. It has a stain above the right pocket, but I welcome the opportunity to work on my stain fighting skills. I'll list this on eBay after it completes its beauty treatment.
5) Lastly, I picked up this Gecko brands dry bag, which I listed on eBay for $22. It was super light and should hopefully sell quickly.
I spent $6.36 and sadly have just 95¢ left on the gift card. Boo!
Now your turn, what frugal things have you been up to?
Katy Wolk-Stanley
"Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without."
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I am always interested to see what you buy. You definitely have me thinking outside of the box!
I have sold one of the Planetbox lunchboxes I bought at Goodwill, so I'll be packing it up today and listing the other one.
I need toilet paper, so I'll go to Sam's while I'm out, and I'll get my Sam's regulars -- rotisserie chicken and raspberries. And I'll buy Always Discreet pads if they have the right size. They usually don't.
I went through all my books, but still didn't get up to the total I need to send a package to Thriftbooks. I will start looking at little free libraries differently. I think I have a better sense now of what they want. Somewhat.
I may have completely misunderstood what you meant by "what they want" but just popping in with a reminder that Little Free Libraries are not to be culled for books to sell on eBay or to Thriftbooks, etc. The program's hope is the books that are left to be shared are always free to readers vs for people to cherry pick the free ones for profit.
I understand! I am not in favor of culling the LFL's for profit, and I haven't done it, but I do wonder if sometimes it might not be better to move a somewhat esoteric book along to a venue -- whether eBay or Thriftbooks or something else -- where it might have a better chance of finding the right reader. I've seen so many titles sit in their little houses for long months until the damp and cold and heat eventually destroys them. Not good!
Going through my books has been my first acquaintance with Thriftbooks, and my impression is that they accept very few titles and the payout is very low, so I doubt even an avid reseller could do much damage to the inventory of any LFL.
Anyway, I'm just thinking and wondering. I wouldn't do anything to harm LFL's -- I love them.
I agree - Thriftbooks offers nothing on nearly everything I've tried to sell back to them, even if they're titles that have sold recently on eBay - just trying to move more things along at once to no avail.
They even include the sell these books back info when I purchase books from them and then no interest in purchasing them back. Frustrating. Grr.
What great finds. The sandals are cute and the sweater is so pretty. What's your magic stain treatment?
I just posted late last night so I don't have much to add.
1. My mom and I are going to visit my MIL today. We'll bring her McDonalds for lunch. We all get a McChicken and small fries which are BOGO for $1. She's 91 and would not tolerate living in an assisted living facility. She's where she will be happiest. This is my brothers-in-law's decision and I fully support it. Her children and grandchildren visit usually daily to make sure she's taking her medications and has what she needs. Both her sons stay overnight at least weekly for one and the other comes for several days each month. He drives 10 hours each way. Now that's love.
2. My sweet daughters are trying to figure out what to do about my very old Kindle Fire which will be bricked in May. Amazon will no longer support the old versions and since that is how I read all my library books I will have to figure out a solution. We all have a healthy (unhealthy) hatred of Amazon so I'm enjoying all their Shmeff Shmezos comments.
3. My mother gave me some tuna noodle casserole. I don't know how I can manage to screw up such a simple dish, but hers always tastes way better. I don't even bother to make it anymore. That will be dinner tonight. Thanks Mom.
There are some good YouTube videos on how to jailbreak older kindles. I'm going to try it with mine, since messing up will be a learning opportunity and it is going to be bricked anyway.
Jill A,
If you've already considered this option, and don't think it would work for you, no worries....BUT, there is a free Kindle app you can download on your phone (or, I imagine, on any device, such as a tablet or laptop, etc.). I have it and use it often - I borrow e-books via Libby, and read them via the Kindle app. You can change the size of the font, and it keeps your place in between times that you read it.
I read all my kindle books on the web app. I don't even have a kindle anymore!
I like the bigger screen on my laptop. Just my 2cents.
Maybe you could get a newer one from FB marketplace or a Buy nothing group Many communities are holding free old electronics recycling events because of the upcoming Earth Day I think Kindles are sold at Target and Best Buy stores as well.
Thanks for the tips everyone. I'm going to see if I can find a way to keep using the one I have. If it doesn't work then I will see about the Kindle app or some other way that doesn't involve a new Kindle.
I've had good luck buying refurbished electronics on backmarket.com, so you could probably find a newer Kindle but still not support Schmeff Schmezos.
Kudos for her sons stepping up. All too often it gets dumped on a daughter(s)/DIL(s). Your MIL raised her songs right and they've raised their children right. There is hope for the future.
RE: Your MIL
Your post about the families checking on her daily/staying over night made my heart melt. Too many families abandon their elderly family members. My mom was the oldest of 8. When her mom was diagnosed with leukemia, my aunts and uncles (and their spouses) stayed with grandma 24/7 in her home for 2 years until her passing. My mom's youngest sibling lives about 3 hours away and couldn't stay as often. However, my aunt was a gym teacher. She would stay during all the school vacations and a few weeks during the summer so that she did her fair share. It's sad that many families don't come together like that anymore.
I’m living out in the county for the foreseeable future, taking care of a sick family member, and I recognize that I’m in a position of privilege to be able to do this. I will never judge someone who makes a different choice or say that they’ve “abandoned” someone, especially if I don’t fully know the circumstances.
Buy Nothing has been very generous, as always. Over the last few weeks, I've received:
1. Bedroom blackout curtains and rod (with nothing extra needed from the hardware store!)
2. Food storage containers for winter Airbnb
3. Travel containers and toiletry pouches
4. Dozen grocery items. Brought some to the food shelf.
5. Piece of foam that I put under our dog's crate that we keep in the car. Now it doesn't jangle so much.
Glad I could fulfill someone's Buy Nothing wish for tiny glass jars with lids.
Oh, that looks like so much fun!
My access to the bins is diminished now that I’m living my life in the hinterlands. The closest bins is in Salem, and it’s small.
I’m entertaining myself with Winco bulk bins iron chef challenges. Last night I made a pilaf involving bulgur wheat and slivered almonds (plus assorted veggies).
I'm guessing those Birk's will sell quickly! I haven't seen that kind with the three straps in a bit.
1) I've had a week, and convinced DS20 to go pick up lunch for us, by purchasing lunch for him as well (a bribe, of course). Used a Subway BOGO coupon + a gift card. With a tip, the gift card covered it all. No money out of pocket. I have enough for a second lunch as well.
2) I'm convincing myself that the work trip I leave on tomorrow will generate enough airline miles to cover another flight for Christmas. I don't want to go, so this is how I'm mentally convincing myself.
3) We ate leftovers all week for dinner.
4) DS19 gave a tour to extended family members of his college. They were going to take him to lunch as a thank you, but ran into a snafu. They "tipped" him with Venmo as a thank you. While totally unnecessary, he was absolutely thrilled, and is incredibly broke as we approach the end of the year, so I know he appreciated it.
5) Gave away some sunblock on BN, cleaned out a ton of expired COVID tests (we used to get them for free from work) & found an old Cue device that it looks like I might need to find electronic recycling for.
There is usually free electronic recycling events because of Earth Day coming up in most communities
1) I shifted my winter clothes into storage and pulled out my warmer weather clothing. I may make a blouse or two for myself, but beyond that I'm well covered.
2) Over the weekend I'll sort through the hand-me-downs to outfit my younger child for warm weather. If there are glaring holes I'll add it to my thrift store list.
3)For dinner last night I found some sausage meat hiding in the fridge and made toad-in-the-hole, complete with onion gravy using odds and ends from the fridge. Cheap, filling and comforting.
4) Leftovers have formed the base of our meals this week- I suspect burritos this evening will take care of the rest of it.
5) Beyond that- I'm taking the bus, packing my lunch, making my coffee and rocking the thrifted wardrobe.
I've been enjoying following along on the gift card challenge, sad there's only 95 cents left, but excited to see what your final total for the food bank will be.
1. I have my bathroom hand towels soaking in a laundry stripping mixture in a 5 gallon bucket. They just start to look grubby and I hope this revives them.
2. We are having some plumbing issues and our plumber recommended replacing the cartridges on the kitchen and shower faucets. Moen is sending us a free cartridge for kitchen faucet and I'm currently on hold with Delta for a free cartridge for shower faucet. I would never have known this is my plumber hadn't told me!
3. Planted loofah seeds. I'd like to be self sufficient in sponges. Last year I successfully grew the loofah but they rotted as they dried. The seeds were free so I'm trying again.
4. Sold a rocking chair on FB marketplace. I'd bought it from FB marketplace and sold it for the same price. Happy to have that space-taker out of my house. It was useful for grandbabies, but they are past that stage now.
5. Walked with a friend this morning and have a phone call scheduled with another friend this afternoon. Free socializing!
Other frugalities: I put away winter clothes (yes we have a sort of winter here in Phoenix..) and pulled out my pile of COSTCO SKORTS I have purchase over the years,I have around 10 of them! They cost around 10 dollars and I wear them for about 9 months of the year with various tops I have thrifted..so cool and look nice.. I can’t wear jeans in summer!! NO CLOTHING MONEY needs to be spent this year.THAT MEANS STAYING OUT OF THRIFT STORES,too!!!! I can waste money there as easily as anywhere.AM considering HARD what is a NEED and a “want.” When the shopping bug hits (yes,I still get it..) I go into my craft room and make a greeting card!!!!! LOL
Tried on the old bathing suit, and the elastic on the swim short is getting a little loose, but I can still get another year out of them.I have two swim tops to go with the shorts and both in good shape.I don’t know how to sew,do not have a machine, but maybe will get someone to sew a new elastic in, next year.Barter or something.I make a mean apple pie.
Aw, Madeline, now you're making me hungry for apple pie! LOL!
I have those skorts as well! Just makes any old top look spiffy. I also have several pairs of their bike shorts. One of those bottoms and a fun top is my warm weather “uniform.” Makes getting dressed very easy.
1. Not frugal, but worth it. I took the day off work. My main job at the library is cataloging, and there was a cataloging freeze in place today while Backstage reviews the Marc records. Sure I have other things I could work on, like a grant that due in 10 days....but I have really been feeling burned out lately. I can turn in a vacation day or a personal day, but I will probably just take it unpaid.
2. I did still go in and participate in our free yoga class.
3. When I got home, I worked in the newly tilled garden. I planted snow peas and spinach. Tomorrow or Sunday I will plant potatoes.
4. I need a few things from the grocery, so my husband and I are thinking of everything we need to do errand wise so we can bundle the trip and save gas.
5. Accepted an invitation to dinner tomorrow night from my mom. One of her clubs is having a steak dinner. She insists on treating, which is fine by us as we host holidays and summer Sunday meals for the whole family at our expense.
Still can't wrap my head around the fact someone might pay $25 for a pair of used shoes. But whatever! It's for a good cause.
1. Wore a thrifted beaded shirt to work. Bought it years ago. Haven't worn it in awhile, thinking it was too outdated. Got several compliments on it! Will wear it more often.
2. Took the emptied out flower pots and plastic tray back to the inner city mission for them to reuse.
3.Also put some books in the Little Free Library at the church down the street from #2.
4. Ran by Ollie's Outlet and picked up 2 giant cans of marinara sauce for $3 and change each. If and when I have to attend a potluck, I'm bringing the spaghetti. Looked for the great big bones I've bought for Snuggles; sadly, these were no longer in stock. He will have to settle for a package of rib bones instead.
5. Decluttered some more, this time gathering U.S. History items for my friend's soon-to-be SIL.
Katy, the Goodwill challenge for the Oregon Food Bank has had my entire admiration from start to (almost) finish. I trust you'll do a post with all the final figures once the challenge is met.
And this reminds me of how much I wish we had a Goodwill bins outlet near me, and how much I miss our Thrifty Shopper chain's outlet that lasted only a couple of years but was a great resource for me. Treasures I scored from that outlet at $1.29/lb. included a set of Tramontina stainless steel bowls I use every day, a restaurant-quality sheet pan, a butcher-block cutting board inscribed "Handcrafted at the Maine State Prison" on the back, a Lodge cast iron skillet, and a purse that's built like a brick doghouse and that I've been carrying for the last 5 years.
I love that cutting board, how very special!
I mean, geez, isn't making beautiful cutting boards a lot better in every way than pounding out license plates?
Speaking of license plates and prisons, here is a Fun Fact: 50 or so years ago when Steve McQueen was filming the movie "The Getaway" (Co starring Ali McGraw), one scene had him in the State Prison in Huntsville, Texas, making license plates. Yes, they were the real things --and you could see the actual license plate numbers in the movie. Can we say "collectors items," boys and girls? No telling how much $$$$$ those Texas license plates could sell for on eBay or wherever! Movie buffs surely want them!
Another fun fact: part of the movie filmed in San Marcos, Texas, and our dorm mother's (fat and ugly) husband beat out the chairman of the (Southwest) Texas State University's dramas dept. for the (bit part) role of the country town bank president who gets robbed by Steve and Ali. The drama majors laughed about that one for years!
Oh man!! That cutting board sounds fab!
The cutting board reminds me of the short documentary “The Quilters” on Netflix. It was quite moving.
GK, “Quilters” was fascinating. The guys really enjoyed putting colors together and all the rest of the process.
GK, this sounds amazing! Thanks for the recommendation!
I love that sweater. If it was my size, I'm not sure I could sell it.
1. I hung my laundry outside for the first time this year. I usually start to hang it out right after daylight savings but it was still too cold and snowy this winter to do so then.
2. I forgot to say I found cans of catfood at Aldi's for .57 each. And the cat actually likes it.
3. A friend had me over for tea and cake. While there, she gave me an old milk bottle from my father's family dairy. Her late mother collected them and when she saw my maiden name on it, she made the connection. A real treasure for me.
4. A mutual friend who was visiting with us gave me a pot of Gerber daisies. She said they can be planted outside too.
5. I threw my sneakers and DH's sneakers in the washing machine on heavy duty. Both pairs were looking at little dirty. I'll dry them in the house overnight and then put them outside tomorrow to continue drying in the sun.
Wow, that milk bottle was a lucky find, what a fabulous present from your friend!
1. I went to Stop and Shop for their Friday Freebie. It was a 48oz, Blue Diamond Milk. All they had left was chocolate milk. Hubby will happily drink it.
2. I got 3 packs of shredded cheese on manager markdown for $1.67 each. I put them all in the freezer.
3. I checked the coin star machine like I always do. It was full,$3.72.
4. Hubby brought home an extra bagel from work that would have been tossed.
5. I shut the heat off and hope I don't have to turn it back on.
1. I made homemade peanut butter cookies, and baked chicken legs for the weekend yesterday evening.
2. I watered and enjoyed my rose bushes, which are in full bloom!
3. I walked, meandered, for an hour in the cemetery so that I could get my walk in without anyone hitting me with their car on a Friday evening!
4. I hand washed my work skirt, tights, and blouse and hung them outside in my front yard to dry ( I know this sounds weird but my backyard is fully shaded, my neighbors bbq in their front yard and don’t seem to care if I hang my clothes out there to dry. I certainly don’t care if they social and cook in their front yard either. We are a neighborhood that basically uses our front spaces bc our back yards tend to be shaded/wet at times. We also mind our own business.)
4. I filled up for $3.94 gallon which was the cheapest place in the town I work in.
5. I did my laundry at the laundromat which is a block from where I work. I just went to my work town an hour early to get it done before work since I don’t have a washer nor dryer and haven’t since 2011. I packed my lunch and breakfast and took it to work.
There is a historic cemetery behind my school. I walk there sometimes. No worries about getting run over or attacked by a dog. It is peaceful & landscaped.
If your neighbors don't mind their own business you have recourse. You are a lawyer! My next door neighbors are both lawyers. So far so good.
Frugal fails for the most part.
1. My 15 yr. old Volvo needed 2,200.00 of work. Still needs to go back for an oil leak check. Might be almost time to give up the ghost. After I get 2,200.00 worth out of it!!
2. Our 19 yr. old inground pool had a leak in the underground pipes to the skimmer. Discovered end of last year and the pool guy said depending on how bad it was could go up to $13,000.00, patio had to be partially dug up, etc. Over the winter that number grew in my mind to $20,000.00. It was just repaired and cost 1800.00 plus 400.00 to open the pool (which my husband usually does). We're actually thrilled about this. We love our pool.
3. My thrifted 10.00 blue Keurig stopped working this morning. Checked a thrift store, then went to Target. Came home, tried again and it read water heating and descaling. It works! The cheapest one at Target was 150.00. Returning it next week.
4. Took out ground beef to thaw 3 days ago to make bolognese sauce. Tried tonight and I waited too long. My husband said it was probably ok but I couldn't do it. On the now rare occasions I waste food I put the $ in a jar and will give it to my former cleaning lady when I see her.
5. Reason for not making the sauce - I am removing the dead branches and limbs from our huge over-crowded evergreen trees that border the side of our driveway. Also opening them up a bit so they can breathe and raking. My mind has valued this job at about $700.00 or more. I'm also doing the spring clean-up which would have been $300.00. Say what you will about me, I'm a worker!!!
You go Cathy! We have a 1999 Toyota 4-Runner that I think has finally given up the ghost. The husband is a mechanic & can patch it together to sell. My sister had a 25 yr old Toyota Tercel that was still going strong until a drunk driver hit a telephone pole. The telephone pole fell on the poor car & crushed it.
1999?!? That's amazing! Terrible about the drunk driver.
So today I’m writing a twist on the frugal five. Five frugal things I did for others!
I’ve been looking in my buy nothing groups for a few specific things but found a few folks that needed what I was able to give!
1. I passed along two VERY heavy VERY big furniture pieces that hide a cat litter box to a cat rescue. (They had been given to me and were way too big)
2. I found someone asking for chicken wire and I had a whole unused roll!
3. Someone needed a blender I had one to give. It took another member offering to take it to her but now she can make smoothies for her kids!
4. A mom needed a three drawer plastic set of drawers for arts and crafts. I’m downsizing my crafts so, GONE.
5. I made too much goulash so I offered two containers on our local Share a Plate group.
Bonus 6. A neighbor put a Whole bunch of holiday lights out for free. I kept most but passed the all blue ones on to a friend that is partial to that color of lights.